Who Will Head Houston?

The 2009 Houston Mayoral Race is in its final stages as candidates finish up their last-minute campaigns and rally for as many votes as they can.

The polls will open Nov.3 and Houstonians will line up to elect the city’s next leader. This election will not be a triumphant juncture like the election of Barack Obama, but for Houstonians this is a very big deal.

Four candidates will be featured on the ballot come Tuesday all with impressive resumes and credibility around the city. But whomever is elected Tuesday, one thing will be for sure: the mayor will be nonpartisan. The election is officially nonpartisan meaning no candidates identities themselves with any particular party affiliation. Another definite issue is however is elected into office must work indefatigably as Houston continues to grown and prosper.

PETER BROWN

Peter Brown first ran for an at large seat on Houston City Council in 2003 but lost to Shelley Sekula Gibbs. In 2005, Brown ran again and won his current at-large position one seat. He was re-elected in 2007.

Since taking office in 2006, Brown has vouched for better street standards and making Houston pedestrian-friendly. He is also worked for a “greener” Houston promoting recycling and regulating air quality standards. In January 2008, Mayor Bill White appointed Brown to Chair the newly created Council Committee on Sustainable Growth. Brown is currently the front-runner and the favorite to take next week’s election with a local news station’s poll showing Brown with a nine-point lead over the next candidate.

ANNISE PARKER

Annise Parker is currently the Controller of the City of Houston, second highest position to the mayor. Previously, she served as an at-large member of Houston’s City Council since 1997. Her election signified Houston’s first openly gay elected official. Parker is currently second in the polls behind Peter Brown for the 2009 mayoral election.

GENE LOCKE

Gene Locke was appointed City Attorney for Houston from 1995 through 1998 by Mayor Bob Lanier. A graduate of the University of Houston, Locke is characterized by his intellect, compassionate, and diligence in fighting for civil and women’s rights.

ROY MORALES

(Author: Roy Morales for Mayor Campaign Source: http://roymorales.com/media/images)

Lieutenant Colonel Roy Morales is currently Harris County’s school board trustee and a retired air force lieutenant colonel. Morales comes from a hard working Mexican family whose been based in Houston for over a century. As a Trustee, Morales sets a tax rate that affects 4 million county residents and approves a $90 million budget to provide education services to over 20,000 children. He is currently behind in the polls but lieutenant Morales has a strong base of supporters.

Houston’s next mayor will have big shoes to fill as Mayor White has done an outstanding job even through testing junctures like Hurricane Ike and nurturing the victims of Hurricane Katrina. Whoever that person may be, he or she will be productive and respected in the communities as well as around the country.

Pictures from Chavez Victory

Photo credit goes to Mrs.Maxwell. Check out http://westsidehighfootball.shutterfly.com/ to view all the pictures from Chavez and games past.

Hiphopoly’s Dates Have Changed

The dates for the “Hiphopoly” auditions have changed.  Please see below, and attend accordingly:

November 12 – dance auditions

 November 13 – rappers, singers, artists and DJs

Auditions will take place in the Westside auditorium from 4 to 6 pm each day.

Senior Dues

The due date for  Senior Dues is fast approaching. Get them paid early so that you don’t forget and you have to wait in long lines later in the school year.

 What do Senior Dues pay for?

Senior dues pay for your cap and gown, miscellaneous graduation expenses, your diploma and diploma cover, senior picnic, Senior Honors Night, and the graduate panoramic picture.

 Where do I pay for my Senior Dues?

You can pay for your Senior Dues to Mrs. Matlock in the College Center in A205.

How much do I have to pay?

“EARLY BIRD” incentive – If you pay before December 18th, you receive a DISCOUNT!  The cost is $125 by cash, check, or money order, and you receive a free t-shirt.

ON TIME – After December 18th, the cost is $150.  Only cash or money orders will be accepted, and you will not receive a t-shirt.

INSTALLMENT PLAN – You may pay in installments.  See Mrs. Matlock for details.

The final deadline for Senior Dues is March 12,2010.